We all know the head pillow, and many people have a body pillow. But have you ever heard of a goeling? Or, as we like to call it, the bolster pillow, cuddle pillow, or long pillow? This special sleeping companion, with its elongated, cylindrical design, has a rich history that goes far beyond most pillows you know. And guess what? This age-old comfort item is exactly what you need for a better night's sleep and more relaxation.
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A Dive into History: Where Did the Bolster Pillow Come From?
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The bolster pillow originated in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia, where it has been a staple of sleep culture for generations. It's also known there as 'bantal guling,' which literally means 'rolling pillow.' In these cultures, the bolster pillow is much more than just a pillow; it's a symbol of comfort, security, and even a traditional part of bedroom dΓ©cor.
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What's Your Cuddle Buddy Called Around the World?
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The need for a comforting, elongated pillow isn't unique to one culture. Around the world, you'll find variations of our bolster pillow, often with their own unique names and sometimes even materials:
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Indonesia & Malaysia: As mentioned, here it's known as goeling or bantal guling (Indonesia) and bantal peluk ('cuddle pillow') in Malaysia.
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Philippines: Here you'll find it called tandayan or more popularly as the 'Hotdog Pillow.'
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Vietnam: They call it gα»i Γ΄m (which also means 'cuddle pillow').
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Cambodia: Known as ααααΎαα’αα (khnaeu-orp), which directly translates to 'cuddle pillow.'
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Thailand: Here it's called ΰΈ«ΰΈ‘ΰΈΰΈΰΈΰΉΰΈ²ΰΈ (monkhang), where 'mon' is pillow and 'khang' means side or beside.
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India & Pakistan: In these countries, you'll find versions like the gao-takkiya, masnad, masland, or paash-baalish/kol-baalish (in Bengali).
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China: In Mandarin, it's known as bΓ ozhΔn (ζ±ζ), again meaning 'cuddle pillow.'
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Japan: The Japanese have the dakimakura (ζ±γζ), a term that has become globally known through anime and manga fans, but which originally simply means 'cuddle pillow.'
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Korea: Here it's called jukbuin (μ£½λΆμΈ), literally 'bamboo wife,' often made of woven bamboo to stay cool.
As you can see: the desire for an extra hug and support in bed is universal!
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The Myth of the 'Dutch Wife': A Colonial Legacy
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Did you know that the bolster pillow is sometimes called the 'Dutch Wife' in certain parts of Asia? This term, though less common today and sometimes perceived as problematic, has an interesting, albeit loaded, history dating back to the colonial era.
When Dutch (and later also British) colonists arrived in hot, humid countries like Indonesia, they often came without their wives. The men sought comfort and cooling in the long, cylindrical pillows the local population already used. These pillows helped them stay cool by promoting air circulation and simultaneously served as a form of physical comfort in the absence of a partner.
The term 'Dutch Wife' is thought to have become a somewhat mocking, yet practical, name, referring to the pillow that fulfilled the role of a 'wife' by providing comfort and companionship during lonely nights. It was a nod to the situation of the colonists, who were often away from home for years. Although the name has a British origin (as a kind of 'dig' at their Dutch rivals in the colonies), the story behind it is closely linked to the Dutch presence in the East.
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Why is the Bolster Pillow So Loved in Indonesia (and Beyond)?
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Imagine the tropical climate. Sleeping can be muggy and uncomfortable. The bolster pillow offered (and still offers) an ingenious solution. People hug it to separate their limbs, allowing air to circulate better and keeping them cooler. But it goes beyond just temperature regulation. The bolster pillow provides:
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Body Support: It offers back support, hip support, and knee support, which is essential for a comfortable sleeping posture, especially for side sleepers.
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Emotional Comfort: The physical contact and hugging of the bolster pillow create a feeling of security and comfort. Many experience it as a 'cuddle buddy' that dispels loneliness.
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Tradition and Ritual: It's embedded in daily routine and stands for home comfort and well-being.
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From Eastern Tradition to Your Bedroom: The Rise of the Cuddle Pillow in the Netherlands
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While the goeling has been known for decades by many with Indonesian roots in the Netherlands, its popularity has surged in recent years. More and more people are discovering the unprecedented benefits of this versatile pillow. Why? Because in our busy lives, we need comfort, relaxation, and a good night's sleep more than ever.
The cuddle pillow β our modern interpretation of the traditional bolster pillow β offers precisely that. It combines the proven benefits of the original goeling with a contemporary design and high-quality materials that perfectly fit today's desires.
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Why You Need a Bolster Pillow Now
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Whether you're struggling with sleep issues, looking for extra comfort while reading on the couch, or just seeking a wonderful cuddle companion, the bolster pillow is the solution. It supports your body where needed, helps you relax, and contributes to deeper, more restorative sleep.
It's time to embrace the age-old wisdom of the bolster pillow and transform your sleep experience. Let yourself be surprised by the power of this simple, yet revolutionary pillow.
Are you ready to bring the rich tradition of comfort into your home? Discover our collection of bolster pillows at www.knuffelkussen.com and experience for yourself why the goeling has been loved for so long!
